The overriding question is simple.  Are there aspects that are so intrinsic to a person’s being (physically or mentally) and irrelevant to their ability to do a job that the fact of such aspects should not be allowed to affect that person’s employment? As a culture we have answered this question yes and established race, age, sex and religion as such.  Now the Senate has passed ENDA and determined that sexual orientation and presentation should be included.  By all predictions our illustrious House of Representatives does not have the guts to even take a vote on this, why? Either they do not believe in the principle stated above (and thus the current laws) or they are acting just to satisfy their own irrational prejudices or those of their constituents. Since I hear no one calling for repeal of the current laws concerning job discrimination I must deduce that prejudice and it’s accompanying fear are the driving forces behind their actions.  While I am certainly not surprised at this , it is extremely disheartening to see how many people continue to act without logic because of their non fact based emotional responses. While some social issues can be complex (abortion) this one is so clear cut that anyone who is against it (again without being against established law) has no reasonable defense and must admit (at least to themselves), their irrationality.